Iban people

The Iban are a Dayak sub-ethnic group native to Borneo, mainly living in the Malaysian state of Sarawak, Brunei and parts of West Kalimantan, Indonesia. They are one of the largest groups among the broader Dayak peoples, a term used to describe the indigenous communities of Borneo. The Iban are known for their rich cultural traditions in agriculture, music, weaving and social life.

Historically, the Iban lived in groups centred around longhouses, which are big houses where extended families live together. They practiced shifting cultivation, growing rice, and also hunted and gathered food.

The Iban originally came from the Kapuas basin in Kalimantan Barat. They moved into areas now part of Sarawak from the middle of the 16th century because of conflicts, looking for more land, and other reasons. A key place in their history is Tembawai Tampun Juah in the Segumon region of Sanggau, West Kalimantan, which they see as their symbolic beginning place.

During the time of the Brooke family in the 19th century, the Iban helped in military actions, serving as soldiers to protect Sarawak and later Malaysia. Their culture spread beyond Borneo, creating communities in Peninsula Malaysia.

Today, the Iban are an important ethnic group in Sarawak. Even with modern changes, they keep their cultural identity strong. The Iban still practice traditions like their language, Pua Kumbu weaving and ceremonial music, while also taking part in modern life in the area.

Etymology

Before the Raj of Sarawak started in 1841, other groups used the word "Iban" to talk about the people who would later call themselves Iban. At that time, the Iban did not use "Iban" for themselves. They used names based on the rivers they lived near, like Kami Saribas (We of the Saribas River), Kami Skrang (We of the Skrang River), or Kami Sebuyau (We of the Sebuyau River). They also used names based on where they lived.

The word "Iban" may have come from the Kayan word hivan, meaning "wanderer." The Kayan people used this word to describe Iban pioneers because they moved around a lot. This name was used mostly around the Rejang River and was not known elsewhere until the mid-1800s.

Before the 19th century, people from outside often called indigenous groups in Borneo "Dyaks" or "Dayaks". James Brooke, the first Rajah of Sarawak, used the term "Sea Dayak" to describe the Iban, to set them apart from the "Land Dayaks" like the Bidayuh. This showed the Iban’s river-based life compared to the more settled life of other groups.

Over time, especially after World War II, the name "Iban" became widely used by the people themselves and is now the common term for the group, especially in Sarawak.

History

Pre-19th century: early origin and cultural development

The Iban people have a rich history told through stories, special wooden plaques, and traditions. These sources share important details about where the Iban people came from and how they settled in new places.

A key part of Iban identity is their strong connection to their ancestral homeland. One important place is Tembawai Tampun Juah, found in the Segumon region of Sanggau, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. According to Iban stories, this was the first place where the Iban people settled after moving away from their ancestors. This site is very important to the Iban people and helps them remember their past.

The Iban also believe their origins are tied to the Kapuas region in West Kalimantan, especially near the Ketungau tributary. This area is seen as where early Iban leaders and communities began. Starting in the mid-1500s, the Iban moved to Sarawak because of conflicts and the search for good land to live on. Important places along their journey included Melanjan in the Kapuas Valley, Pangkalan Tubau near where Kalimantan and Sarawak meet, and Lubok Antu, their first big settlement in Sarawak. The story of their move includes leaders like Lau Moa and chiefs such as Ambau, Mawar Biak, and Mawar Tuai, who guided them to new lands. This journey is remembered through wooden plaques and Iban stories, which remain important today.

A well-known figure in these stories is Sengalang Burung. According to Iban traditions, he and his followers first lived along the Kapuas River in southwestern Borneo. His grandson, Sera Gunting, later led the Iban further west into the Tiang Laju Range, now part of Sarawak. It is said that Sengalang Burung met with his followers at Merakai, a small river of the Kapuas River, to plan their move to Batang Ai, which became a major Iban area.

Research by historians and linguists supports these stories. Studies by Benedict Sandin, Asmah Haji Omar, Rahim Aman, Chong Shin and James T. Collins, as well as M. Heppell, show that the Iban language and culture began in the upper Kapuas region. These findings match the traditions kept in Iban stories and wooden records.

19th century: migration, colonialism and socio-political changes

The 1800s were a big time for change for the Iban people, especially when the Brooke family came to Sarawak and started ruling there. This time had a big effect on Iban society, changing how they lived, worked, and governed themselves. During this time, many Iban people moved to new places, which helped them become one of the main groups in Sarawak today. Their move was not just about going to new lands—it also spread their customs, language, and traditions across western Borneo.

During this time, the Iban met other groups who were mostly interested in gathering food from nature or small farming communities. When the Iban moved into areas where these groups lived, sometimes the original people were included in Iban society, but other times they had to leave their homes.

By the early 1800s, Iban people had started to settle in the Rejang River area, now part of Sarawak’s Third, Sixth, and Seventh Divisions. These early settlers came from places along the Batang Lupar and Saribas rivers, moving south into the Rejang’s smaller rivers. Others, from upper Batang Lupar (such as Batang Ai), traveled through rivers like Leboyan and Kanyau (Embaloh), finally reaching the Katibas River, a smaller river of the Rejang in central Sarawak.

The Brooke leaders helped guide Iban people as they moved during Sarawak’s growth. James Brooke, a British traveler, came to Borneo in 1838 to help the Sultan of Brunei stop a rebellion. After helping, he became the leader of Sarawak in 1841. He worked to stop attacks by pirates and change some traditional practices, including a custom some Dayak groups followed, among them the Iban.

One of Brooke’s biggest challenges was dealing with Rentap, a well-known Dayak leader. Brooke led three battles against Rentap, with the final one at Sadok Hill. In 1851, Brooke faced claims that he used too much force against the Dayak people. This led to an official review in 1854, which found he did nothing wrong. Even with these challenges, Brooke kept using Dayak soldiers in many battles.

By 1870, many Iban people had set up homes along the Oya and Mukah Rivers. In the early 1900s, Iban settlement grew to places such as Tatau, Bintulu, Balingian, and parts of northern Sarawak including the Limbang River area and Baram Valley.

As more Iban people moved, there weren’t enough resources in some places where they used traditional farming methods. To help manage this, the Brooke leaders put rules on moving to prevent too many people in one place and running out of resources. But they also encouraged Iban people to move to new lands they had taken over, because of the Iban skill in taking care of resources, like collecting rattan, camphor, damar and wild rubber. This support for moving included places such as Limbang (taken over in 1890) and Baram.

By the late 1800s, areas like Batang Lupar, Skrang Valley, and Batang Ai had too many people, so the Brooke government helped Iban families move to quieter places. Iban families from places like Simanggang, Batang Lupar, and the Second Division were encouraged to settle in Bintulu, Baram, Lundu, and Limbang.

This movement helped spread Iban language, culture, and farming ways across Sarawak.

20th Century: Participation in World War II and the Malayan Emergency

In the 1900s, more Iban people moved to new places, with important settlements such as along the Baleh tributary of the Rejang River in 1922, and communities in Suai, Niah and Sibuti in 1927, with government support for a move to Lundu in 1955. More moves happened as part of government plans in the Second and Fourth Divisions of Sarawak. The first Iban families moved to Merotai, Tawau, Sabah around 1920, and their numbers grew a lot from the 1960s on.

When the Second World War began, it changed life for the Iban and other local groups in Borneo. After the Japanese invaded, local people including the Iban and Malay faced very hard times. In response, a group of local fighters including Iban people was formed to help the Allied forces. They were trained by a few US airmen and Australian special operatives, and they helped catch or capture Japanese soldiers. They also gave important information about oil fields held by the Japanese.

After the war, during the Malayan Emergency from 1948 to 1960, the British Army asked Iban people to help in operations against a group called the Malayan National Liberation Army. These Iban people used their knowledge of the land and skills to help British soldiers travel through hard terrain. Their help in these operations became talked about when photos appeared showing Iban helpers and British soldiers. After the conflict ended, all local troops including the Iban were let go.

Ibanic regional groups

The Iban people speak different dialects. Even though the dialects are not exactly the same, people can still understand each other. These groups are named based on the places where they live.

Language

The Iban language is spoken by the Iban people. They are part of the Dayak ethnic group. This language is part of the Malayic languages. The Malayic languages belong to a larger group called the Malayo-Polynesian branch of the Austronesian language family. Many of these languages are still spoken in western Borneo today.

Religion

The Iban people have their own traditional beliefs and customs. Many Iban people became Christian after European missionaries arrived. Today, most Iban people are Christian, but many still mix Christian and traditional practices, especially during special events like weddings or festivals.

Iban Christians celebrate important Christian holidays such as Christmas, Good Friday, and Easter. They also hold Gawai Dayak, a celebration that honors their cultural traditions. In Brunei, some Iban people follow Islam, often through marriage with other groups. Despite different religious beliefs, Iban people generally support and enjoy time together. Many Iban people welcome modern changes and progress.

Culture and customs

The Iban people use strong beats and rhythms in their music. They play special drums and gongs for ceremonies and celebrations. One popular style is called taboh, with different beats for different occasions.

The Iban people are good weavers, making beautiful blankets and clothing. Their weaving tells stories and has special designs. They grow rice and other crops, using ways passed down from older generations. Families work together on their farms, often in the forest.

In the past, some Iban people lived near the sea and used boats for travel and trade. Later, many Iban joined groups working for peace during hard times.

Military contributions

The Iban people are known for their bravery as warriors in the past, defending their homes or moving to new areas. From Sarawak in Malaysia, two brave Iban soldiers are Temenggung Datuk and Kanang anak Langkau, who received the highest award for bravery. Another brave soldier is Awang anak Raweng from Skrang, who also received an award for his courage.

Only one Dayak has ever become a general in the military: Brigadier-General Stephen Mundaw in the Malaysian Army. He was promoted on November 1, 2010. Kanang Anak Langkau is considered one of Malaysia's most decorated war heroes for helping protect the country. Many other brave soldiers come from different groups, with many being Iban.

In popular culture

Some movies, songs, and stories have shown the Iban people and their traditions. For example, an episode of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations showed an Iban person with special traditional tattoos. The film The Sleeping Dictionary stars an Anglo-Iban girl and was filmed in Sarawak, Malaysia.

Malaysian singer Noraniza Idris released songs inspired by Iban music. The 1958 film Chinta Gadis Rimba told the story of an Iban girl and was the first full-length movie shot in Sarawak. The 1987 film Bejalai, made in the Iban language, was about a traditional journey young Iban men take. The novel and film Farewell to the King features a character who joins an Iban community. In 2007, a Malaysian bank made a commercial entirely in the Iban language to celebrate the country's independence. The novel The Nutmeg of Consolation also includes scenes with Iban people.

Notable people

Academia

• Benedict Sandin, a historian and teacher

Entertainment

• Henry Golding, a movie actor from Hollywood; his father is from England and his mother is Iban
• Nicole Constantine, a winner of a top award for managing talent; her father is from Australia and her mother is Iban

National heroes

• Kanang anak Langkau, a hero of Malaysia; he received a brave award called "Sri Pahlawan Gagah Berani" from the government
• Rentap, a leader who stood against rulers from Brooke and was called Raja Ulu (King of the Interior)

Beauty pageant titleholder

• Francisca Luhong James, Miss Universe Malaysia in 2020; her father is from Orang Ulu and her mother is Iban

Politicians

• Jugah Barieng, an important leader for the Dayak people and a key person who signed for Sarawak in the Malaysia Agreement
• Stephen Kalong Ningkan, the first Chief Minister of Sarawak
• Tawi Sli, the second Chief Minister of Sarawak
• Doris Sophia Brodi, a member of Parliament for Sri Aman and the first woman to serve as Deputy Speaker of Dewan Negara from 2012 to 2016

Sports personalities

• Jimmy Anak Ahar, an athlete from Brunei
• Philip Anak Ahar, a football player from Brunei
• Hardi Anak Bujang, a football player from Brunei
• Mardi Anak Bujang, a football player from Brunei
• Haimie Anak Nyaring, a football player from Brunei
• Suhaimi Anak Sulau, a football player from Brunei